Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet pears and sharp cheddar cheese in this scrumptious Cheddar Pear Pie. With a flaky crust and a rich filling, this pie is a perfect dessert for any occasion. The sweetness of the pears pairs beautifully with the tangy cheddar, creating a unique and memorable flavor profile. Impress your friends and family with this homemade pie that is both sweet and savory. It's a true comfort food that will leave everyone wanting for more.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 4-5 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing it with the flour mixture until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Gently transfer the dough to the pie dish and press it into the bottom and sides.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced pears, shredded cheddar cheese, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, and melted butter. Toss everything together until well coated.
- Pour the pear and cheese filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Roll out the remaining dough into another circle. Cut it into strips or use a cookie cutter to create decorative shapes.
- Arrange the strips or shapes on top of the filling in a lattice pattern or any desired design.
- Brush the top crust with the beaten egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Slice and serve the delicious Cheddar Pear Pie on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.